 |
|
Common knows exactly what you’re thinking. After the crossover success of his last two albums BE and Finding
Forever, you expect the king of conscious hip-hop to serve you another set of introspective rhymes over raw soul
tracks by Kanye West. But Common hasn’t lasted 16 years in the notoriously fickle hip-hop game by avoiding risk.
This Renaissance Man is all about pushing boundaries—and winning while he’s at it.
Released on December 9, 2008 Universal Mind Control is a powerful testament to Common’s fearlessness. Inspired
by the 24-hour party scenes of Prague and Barcelona, the MC teamed up with The Neptunes and OutKast affiliate Mr.
DJ to create a body rockin’ blend of hardcore hip-hop, retro electro, sinister funk and sticky sweet soul.
“With Universal Mind Control, I’m commanding people to dance and get loose. The subject matter I address isn’t as
serious. It’s just me flirting with women, saying little clever stuff, and talking about how I’m the gladiator of hip-hop.
These are some of the most spontaneous, fun songs I’ve ever done.”
Universal Mind Control reflects Common’s newfound freedom where he was able to create a body of work that
represents the future of hip hop. Highlights include the Afrika Bambaataa-inspired, Neptunes-produced title track which
was featured on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
“I’ve always been passionate about what I do, whether it’s rapping, acting, writing, break dancing, or whatever it is,”
says Common. “I put my heart into Universal Mind Control, and I think it’ll reach audiences I’ve never touched
before. This music has a progressive, international spirit to it, but it’s still very much hip-hop. It’ll take you to a new
place, but it’s still Common.”
Common finished recording Universal Mind Control after filming his most recent movie “TERMINATOR
SALVATION: THE FUTURE BEGINS” which stars Christian Bale and directed by McG. In 2006, the Grammy Award
winning artist made his big screen debut as a musical performer in “DAVE CHAPPELLE’S BLOCK PARTY”. In
January 2007, he made his acting debut co-starring opposite Jeremy Piven, Ben Affleck, Alicia Keys, and Ryan
Reynolds in “SMOKIN’ ACES” directed by Joe Carnahan. Also, in 2007, he co-starred opposite Denzel Washington
in “AMERICAN GANGSTER,” directed by Ridley Scott. Recently he was seen in David Ayer’s “STREET KINGS”
starring Keanu Reeves and Forest Whitaker and this past summer he co-starred opposite Angelina Jolie, James
McAvoy, and Morgan Freeman in “WANTED.”
Prior to acting, Common rose to prominence as one of hip-hops most poetic and respected lyricists having recorded
over seven albums: Can I Borrow a Dollar?, Resurrection, One Day It’ll All Make Sense, Like Water For
Chocolate, Electric Circus, BE and Finding Forever. With both BE and Finding Forever, he partnered with Chicago
native and rap music mega-star Kanye West to produce. This dynamic partnership resulted in four Grammy Award
nominations in addition to being nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards including Best Hip Hop Video.
In 2007, he launched his SOJI hat line and the Common Ground Foundation, which gives back and allows our youth
to realize their full potential. The CGF is dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth in the United
States.
Common also offers a younger generation a better understanding of self respect and love, utilizing the cultural
relevance of hip hop, in the children books he has written. The first one, entitled The MIRROR and ME, teaches
lessons of life, the human spirit, and human nature. His follow-up book I Like You But I Love Me was recently
nominated for an NAACP Image Award, and his third book, M.E. (Mixed Emotions), was recently released earlier this
year.
In 2009, Common will launch a film production company, work on his fourth children’s book, and continue to inspire
Chicago youth with his Common Ground Foundation.
|
